View Full Version : Review: My S2000 vs 8th Gen Accord


Canadiankid
04-30-2009, 05:57 AM
I was reading the forums and came accross this:

Hell, with 0.9% for 72 months, you could get a fully loaded S 6MT for only $50 more a month than a fully loaded accord (granted if you financed, and you are still paying more money in the end).

I am a proud owner of both:

S2000: 13,000KMs, Enkei rims (16lbs), Koni Yellows full stiff, with Ground Control springs 550Fr/475Rr. Full J's FRP (Fiber Reinforced Plastic) front, rear bumpers, sideskirts, and front flenders, with a J's rear Over Fender. Koyo Rad, and Mugen Oil Pan.

8th Gen Accord 5500kms, Stock but every available option from the dealer 6MT, 6 Cylinders, Navi, Leather, etc.

STREET COMPARISON:

Acceleration: Accord hands down. S2000 has zero power until 6000 rpms which isn't useful on the street. Although the S can redline to 9000rpms to get that high you're already speeding 90% of the time. (2nd gear at 9000rpms = highway speeds)

Cornering: The S2000 undoubtably handles corners much better, especially with the aftermarket suspension, 50/50 weight distribution, and its a few thousand lbs lighter. I have to say though, if you need to accelerate through a corner - the accord accelerates better with its tendancy to understeer its a much safer bet. The S2000 (2000) has very dramatic oversteer and any acceleration through a corner will quickly lead to sending your rear out in a spin - sometimes its fun. Sometimes its scarey.

Rain Driving: S2000 - forget it. I don't take mine out in the rain. I do track the car in the rain only because I have to (already paid the $$) but its a very dangerous car in the rain. Its just sooo light, and nimble it gets lose very easy. Anything over 5500 rpms and Vtec sends your rear sliding. Accord wins hands down - again although the V6 loses traction in the rain as well no problem, its a safer car to deal with.

Highway driving - V6 pulls so nice on the highway. The S2000 actually pulls pretty well as well because its easy to keep the rpms high on the highway. Since the S2000 is lower I must admit I am kinda scared its going to hit a piece of tire or something but overall - tied.

Sunroof/Topless: S2000 is a convertible which is great on the roads, or when you're NOT sitting in traffic. Sunroof is really nice on the highway where often it is too windy for a convertible (not always though). S2000 wins on the streets, Accord wins on the highway.

Motor: The S2000 F20 motor is the 9000 rpm motor. Quite quiet at cruising speeds but anything over 6000 rpms (vtec) and it starts getting loud fast. The Accord V6 motor is much more quiet, and has more of an electronically controlled sound to it in my opinion. The torque on the accord also blows the S2000 away at anything less than probably 7500 rpms.

1/4 mile: Not sure who would win, Iv'e been thinking about this a lot lately. If the Accord did take the lead at the start due to the torque - the S2000 would quickly catch up where the accord V6 will run out of air - high rpms. S2000 wins at the end.

Fuel Economy: Tied - the S2000 has a smaller tank, and is only 4 cylinder but it takes premium fuel, and more rpms to do the same job the accord can do. The accord is 6 cylinder, uses more gas and has a bigger tank, but the gas is cheaper. Due to the larger tank in the accord although it is more expensive to fill up it is about the same in fuel economy - also due to the larger tank the accord can go longer between fillups.

Road Noise - Since the s2000 is a convertible it loses here bad. Its very noisy even with the top up. I find it more clicky/clanky as well too.

Convenience - The accord wins. The trunk on the s2000 is about the size of the passenger footwell in the accord. The s2000 has a very small glovebox, no cup holders, and no storage space throughout. The accord is loaded with convenience.

Comfort - Although having the top down while cruising is very exotic & relaxing it is not a comfortable car (I am 6'1 and although I fit in it no problems, and I Can still put the seat back more than needed) The S2000 is tight fitted, very low to the ground makes it harder to get in and out. You kinda have to fall into it. Have you sat in the accord? the thing is a limo!! It's so comfortable, the dash is laid out very nicely. I have Phonelink, all leather interior, heated seats, Navi, voice recognition, steering controls, etc. Nuff Said.

GF Approval - GF says "the accord is much more comfortable, more daily driverish. The S2000, is more fun especially topless." Top or Top down? she says "top down". When I ask her which car she wants to take for a 30 minute drive "lets take the S2000" When I ask her which car she wants to take to new york (8 hour drive) she has to think about it........

Parents Approval - They don't support the S2000 as I introduced them to the car as a track car and its not practical. They love the Accord though.

At the Track - S2000 every way wins hands down. The car was built for track performance. Its basically trackable stock. This is why I purchased it, and I only drive it when its sunny out, and when it doesn't have track brake pads on (noisy) - which is only when I feel like changing them.

Transmission - The s2000 has the 9000 rpm redline, so I can either get the power I need and ride out the rpms with no need to shift at the expense of a wailing engine, or I can shift early at about the same "earliest" shiftpoints as the accord. Both the accord and the S can be in 6th gear at as little as 50-60kms. The s2000 wins due to the longer gears.

Insurance - I pay the same insurance on both cars. I do get a discount on having more than 1 car insured, but without the discount I assume it would be the same.

Oversteer/Understeer - The S2000 wins hands down if you like the more dangerous oversteer, at the expense of the safer understeer. Having said that the S2000 has the smallest turning radius of any car I've driven, and the Accord has the largest turning radius out of any car I've driven. You need 2.5+ lanes to Uturn an accord, but the S2000 can do it in less than 2 lanes and still have room to spin the rear.

Fun Factor: S2000 wins hands down. It is capable of so much more.


Overview: The s2000 is a drivers car, definately not a daily driver (atleast in the north) The S2000 is the only car that scares me. It sticks to corners like glue, handles like the best of them. At the track, its very competitive. However, its scarey. There is very little warning of when the rear is going to get lose, and when it does you have to correct fast - just make sure you don't oversteer while correcting or you'll hit the wall. If you're going to drive the car on the street I recommend driving it 80% of the level you could push the accord to safely. You thought your gf/wife was tough? One mistake, and she won't forgive you - its over.

The accord on the other hand you get a sense of safety, if you spin, you're not going anywhere and the understeer allows corners to be had at 100% of the capabilities of the car where drivers errors are corrected and forgiven by the front wheel drive understeering capabilities of the car. The Accord is much safer, and the driver can build 100% more confidence on the road while "joy riding" with friends.

Why do I drive 2 cars? I drive the accord to and from work, in the snow and rain. I drive it when the S2000 is still in track trim, and not necessarily road worthy.
The S2000 is my track car. It is very low to the ground, very stiff, and often has full track pads on it. It's also my joy rider, that I take out when I want a change from the Accord. Maybe slide the rear a lil on nice sunny days, etc. Short Trips.

Which car wins IMO?
As my gf put it. The Accord is a better everyday car, more practical. The S2000 is more of an enthusiasts car. Not very practical but more fun to drive. Not forgiving, harsh at times, but its a true sports car. I wouldn't recommend an S2000 unless you have 2 cars and both insured at the same time.

My Car History: (I'm 30 years old)
An early 90s 5.0L Mustang, Buick Lesabre, Nissan Maxima, Toyota Yaris, '76 Pontiac Lemans, '96 Mitsubishi Eclipse GSX,

checkZvtec
04-30-2009, 06:03 AM
lovely synopsis. Under Road Noise - u mean the S2000, unless you chopped your accord into a convertible. I would love to see some pics of your S2000.

xJoeMama78
04-30-2009, 06:05 AM
Nice review. You seem to be using both cars for what they were intended for. Cars like the S2000, Elise, and the exotics are great for weekends, track days, or for just going out and having fun but are not good daily drivers and are not designed to be so. I'm seriously thinking of picking up a used Elise for the weekends and for when I go out.

MSchu
04-30-2009, 06:12 AM
Comparing the two is not really appropriate other than to point out the differences in manufacturing classifications.

That being said, I am more than sure that a stock engine coupe can become a more dangerous class winning track car than you are proclaiming. As a matter of fact it has, as the TL proves.

http://www.automedia.com/Article/images/pht/pht20050101sc/pht20050101sc00.jpg

http://i34.photobucket.com/albums/d121/Excelerate/APR2small.jpg?t=1241103880

Canadiankid
04-30-2009, 06:14 AM
Some Pics of the S. (Sorry I don't have pics of both together YET)

Canadiankid
04-30-2009, 06:24 AM
[/quote]That being said, I am more than sure that a stock engine coupe can become a more dangerous class winning track car than you are proclaiming.[/quote]

I agree, you put enough money into any car and it can be a track car. Having said that, the S2000 cleans up the Stock class up here (with Miatas, and E36 BMWs) all other stock cars are either too heavy, weight distributed wrong, or don't have the power the S2000 does in stock trim.

This leads me to the point of the first article - and maybe I wasn't clear. I quoted someone recommending an S2000 and I just wanted to say its really not for everyone.

I am going to edit this post in about 5 minutes with a link towards s2000 crash pictures. If you look at the cause of the 90% of the accidents, its driver error. Losing control of the rear. Furthermore, from what I read 25% of those accidents happen within the first month of purchasing the S2000. The S2000 is not a "for everyone" car. That's all I was trying to say :thmsup:

Here's the link: http://www.s2ki.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=645876&st=75
The guy half way down said: "Lost my car Saturday night in the rain. Only had 2.5 weeks, but it was the best car I had owned thus far........"

On page 6, another guy crashed an s2k between 2 poles and had the car for just 1 month.

starbai
04-30-2009, 06:51 AM
Guy, I have a 2004 S2000, and a 2009 Accord Coupe EX V6 Auto w/navi

Anyone thats cross shopping these two... this synopsis is SPOT ON.

Couldn't agree with everything you said more.

fjowner
04-30-2009, 07:02 AM
I find it hard to believe but I was surfing youtube and found these kids racing a Accord Coupe V6 and a Subaru WRX STi from a 40mph roll. Looked like after 65-70mph range the Accord left the WRX behind. I thought the WRX would lead.

checkZvtec
04-30-2009, 07:17 AM
Some Pics of the S. (Sorry I don't have pics of both together YET)

Looks vicious. I really like the front wing a great deal. great job.

edit* - xJoeMamax - if you get on the Lotus or Elise forums, you will find that some very high and large percentage of the Elise owners DO use the cars as their DDs. Especially since Toyota became involved with the engine. So, I say go for it! I know I would if I could afford one right now.

BST07
04-30-2009, 07:43 AM
Glad you enjoy the S2000, the one that you bought it from is a good friend of mine. He treats his car like a his own baby :thmsup:

xJoeMama78
04-30-2009, 07:59 AM
Looks vicious. I really like the front wing a great deal. great job.

edit* - xJoeMamax - if you get on the Lotus or Elise forums, you will find that some very high and large percentage of the Elise owners DO use the cars as their DDs. Especially since Toyota became involved with the engine. So, I say go for it! I know I would if I could afford one right now.

Having a Toyota motor and tranny makes the car reasonable as a daily from a high mileage reliability stand point, but the car is tiny, rides rough, only seats two, and has no real cargo space. I prefer my Accord for inexpensive, comfortable cruising since I often have 2 or 3 people with me and stuff in the trunk. Plus the Accord got 2 shopping cart dings, a small dent on the passenger rear quarter panel and a spot of chipped paint on the rear bumper from shopping carts in the first few months I had the car. If I decide on a Lotus or some other weekend car I won't be putting many miles on it and I won't be taking it to Walmart, Costco, etc.

Borbor
04-30-2009, 09:02 AM
BST pointed me to this thread (serious Cdnkid, I'm not stalking you :D ) after he saw pictures of his car (my old car) here and sent me the link.

I started off with 2 AE86es, raced 2 stroke karts for 3 years and then picked up the car. I picked the car up bone stock had it for 2 years. Driven Elises, Exiges and Murc (not owned, but the drive lasted more than just a trip around the block)

AP1s have a reputation of being unforgiving to drive. I can't speak for anyone and IMO the prev statement is grossly exaggerated. But I have to say the car talks to the driver. It's up to the guy behind the wheel to listen. It will give you AMPLE time to react and make necessary adjustments before you even need to make corrections. The snap oversteer people always complain about isn't a snap; all the tell tale signs are there.

I have to say however, it is a car that requires smooth input on everything that you do. His car is already understeer biased compared to the factory. Having said that, the o/s u/s bias is so driver dependant that a lot of times input behind the wheel would dictate its behaviour 90% of the time.

Still more practical than a lotus. But the practicality / fun relationship is inversely proportional to the lotus as well.

okman4ever
04-30-2009, 10:23 AM
the S is a sexy car. nice write up. enjoyed reading it.

Canadiankid
04-30-2009, 11:48 AM
Ahhhhhhh STALKER!! :wave: :screwy:

I dunno, I am new to the S scene but for some reason I am intimidated by it.

Going back to when I had my 5.0L, I've slid my rearend a few times already on the S and corrected it no problems

Mustang parts are easy to replace if you slide (esp. from the early 90s), S parts are more $$. I guess because I am still a new driver in the S I am afraid to push it.

Then again, seeing those crash pictures didn't help either. :jawdrop:

Anyways, I don't wanna get off topic since this is an Accord forum - so Imma shutup now. :yes:

( Don't worry Borbor I'm not driving it anymore in the rain - its ok :tongue: )

goldy500
04-30-2009, 01:17 PM
I find it hard to believe but I was surfing youtube and found these kids racing a Accord Coupe V6 and a Subaru WRX STi from a 40mph roll. Looked like after 65-70mph range the Accord left the WRX behind. I thought the WRX would lead.

no sir haha

thats where the accord is best

the WRX is beast off the line and up until around 40-45 mph then the V6 is better

aem
04-30-2009, 03:06 PM
this was a geat read :thmsup:

Dreccord
05-02-2009, 06:24 AM
I plan on purchasing a used S2000 ('04-'06) in about a year to compliment my Accord for the same purposes. This thread just confirmed my decision! Thanks!

LXSPimp
05-02-2009, 06:59 AM
LOL........the original quote about the interest rate was a thread comparing the cost of an Accord vs. a G37 S. Not an S2000. :lmao: